Baby’s First-Year Milestones: A Month-by-Month Guide

Your baby's first year is filled with exciting milestones as they grow and develop at an astonishing pace! From their first smile to taking those first steps, every milestone is a remarkable achievement. Here’s a month-by-month guide on what to expect, how to encourage development, and which milestones are typical during your baby's first year.

During the first month, your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb. They’ll start to recognize familiar faces and sounds, especially your voice, which is a huge source of comfort. Expect plenty of sleep as they grow and begin to become more alert.

By the second month, your baby may start smiling as a way to interact with you! This is their first social milestone and one of the sweetest. They’ll also begin cooing, giving you a glimpse of their developing personality.

Around three months, your baby’s physical strength improves, especially in their neck and head control. They’ll start to lift their head during tummy time, and you might notice them reaching out for nearby objects.

Rolling over is a big motor milestone that often happens around four months. Babies also begin to babble, combining vowels and consonants, which is an early sign of language development.

At five months, babies become more interactive. They may start to recognize their name and show an interest in their surroundings. This is also when they begin to put objects in their mouth as a way to explore.

Six months marks a significant milestone as babies start to sit up with support. Many parents introduce solid foods at this stage, usually starting with single-grain cereals or pureed vegetables.

As your baby’s coordination improves, you’ll notice them starting to use their hands more intentionally. They may be able to pass objects from one hand to another and are likely to be more expressive.

Crawling typically begins around eight months, although some babies may skip this milestone. Crawling helps with coordination and strengthens the muscles needed for walking.

At nine months, many babies start pulling themselves up to a standing position while holding onto furniture. This is a precursor to cruising and eventually walking.

As your baby gains more strength and balance, they may begin cruising—walking while holding onto furniture. Their communication skills are developing too, with some babies starting to say simple words like “mama” or “dada.”

At eleven months, your baby may be close to taking their first independent steps. They’ll also become more expressive, understanding basic commands and showing preferences for certain toys or activities.

Happy birthday, baby! By twelve months, many babies take their first steps, though some may still need a bit more time. You may also hear a few recognizable words and see increased independence and curiosity.

For more information on your baby's first-year milestones, check out these trusted sources:

Watching your baby grow and reach each milestone can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Remember, each baby is unique, so while these milestones provide general guidance, your child may develop at their own pace. Celebrate every moment and enjoy each new stage!